In this paper, we demonstrate, first in literature known to us, that potential functions can be constructed in continuous dissipative chaotic systems and can be used to reveal their dynamical properties. To attain this aim, a Lorenz-like system is proposed and rigorously proved chaotic for exemplified analysis. We explicitly construct a potential function monotonically decreasing along the systems dynamics, revealing the structure of the chaotic strange attractor. The potential function can have different forms of construction. We also decompose the dynamical system to explain for the different origins of chaotic attractor and strange attractor. Consequently, reasons for the existence of both chaotic nonstrange attractors and nonchaotic strange attractors are clearly discussed within current decomposition framework.
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